LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) — The Greenbrier County Unity Committee, in partnership with the Greenbrier Historical Society, invites the community to Lewisburg’s second annual Juneteenth celebration, a two-day event honoring freedom, history, culture and community through reflection, education, music and fellowship.
This year’s events, themed “Unity in Our Community,” are designed to bring community members together to commemorate the significance of Juneteenth while creating space for conversation, learning, connection and celebration. Organizers hope the weekend’s activities will encourage meaningful dialogue and honor the stories, resilience and contributions of Black Americans throughout history and within the local community.
Juneteenth commemorates a pivotal moment in U.S. history, marking the day in 1865 when federal troops led by Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and ensured that all enslaved people were finally freed, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
Friday, June 19
6 to 7:30 p.m. — Old Stone Room, Carnegie Hall — Keynote speaker Dr. Joseph Evans, MD, FAAP, Director of the Center for Truth, Racial Healing, and Restorative Justice at Berkeley School of Theology and a Lewisburg native.
Organizers are honored to welcome Dr. Evans back to his hometown for this important community conversation. His distinguished career in theology, education, and restorative justice brings a unique and deeply meaningful perspective to this year’s celebration.
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — North House Museum — Following the keynote address, attendees are invited to the North House Museum for a reception and viewing of the “Echoes of Slavery” exhibit. The exhibit offers an opportunity for reflection and deeper understanding of the experiences, histories and lasting impact of slavery within the region and beyond.
Saturday, June 20
Noon to 5 p.m. — The celebration will continue with a free community festival at Dorie Miller Park. The festival will feature live music, vendors, community resources and activities for attendees of all ages. Organizers encourage community members to gather for an afternoon of fellowship and celebration.
At 2 p.m., the Resurrection Praise Community Choir, an phenomenal ensemble featuring members from West Virginia and Virginia, will perform. The afternoon will also include a performance by a local soloist.
As part of its ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing local history, the Greenbrier Historical Society is proud to support this year’s Juneteenth celebration in partnership with the Greenbrier County Unity Committee.
For more information, contact gcucomm25@gmail.com, visit greenbrierhistorical.org or find the organization on Facebook at facebook.com/greenbrierhistorical or Instagram at instagram.com/greenbrierhistoricalsociety.
